The quest to find the best Volunteer Police Cadet Unit (VPC) in England was battled out in a two day competition on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September 2005.

The competition, held at the Metropolitan Police Training School in Hendon, put young cadets from 29 VPC units across England, including Ealing�s finest, through their paces in a series of exercises testing their policing skills.

The overall event was won by Hounslow and Richmond, 2nd Hillingdon, 3rd Havering, with Ealing just missing out on the overall medals in 4th place.

This was a fantastic achievement by all as this is only the 2nd time Ealing VPC unit has reached the national final.

Activities included a complex police drill scenario, 500m shield run in riot gear, orienteering exercise and a complex car crash scenario and medals were awarded for each component of the competition.

The competition also included a section called Skill�s Evaluation Exercises.

This exercise consisted of 5 practical examinations

Offensive weapon scenario,
Missing person investigation,
Assault scenario,
Intelligence gathering robbery scenario
and finally a Magistrates Court scenario where one 'lucky' cadet had to give evidence of their arrest following the robbery scenario.

This year, Ealing VPC won the gold medal in the Skill�s Evaluation Exercises, which were based similar to those run for MPS recruits during their training, scoring an average of 81% across the five 5 role-plays.

Ealing Borough Cadet Team Leader Police Constable Tracy Fane

"This is a challenging event for those involved but is also very exciting and a lot of fun. Those involved get to draw on a whole range of skills that are not only important for a police officer but also useful in everyday life.

All of the cadets performed superbly and every cadet that took part should be very proud of themselves. It is a testament to their drive, determination and commitment that they achieved such a fantastic result at this year�s event."

The Ealing Borough Volunteer Police Cadets is open to all young people on Ealing Borough between 14 and 21. It is a useful hobby for young people who are interested in pursuing a career in the police and also those who are looking to become well-rounded individuals.

The Cadets meet every Thursday night between 6:30pm and 9:30pm at Perivale Community Centre, Horsenden Lane South, Perivale. The meetings consist of lessons in topics such as law, police procedures and crime prevention. They also have drill practice and do a variety of sports. Cadets also have an occasional opportunity to take part in policing local and pan-London events.

In the past the Cadets have been involved in crime prevention for Operation Safer Streets by property marking of mobile telephones, offering crime prevention advice on motor vehicle crime and test purchasing of alcohol to underage persons across the borough. They have also been involved in stewarding of local events, such as the Ealing Countryside Fair and Acton Fair.

Can you help?

In order to continue the hard work and dedication the Ealing Borough Volunteer Cadets participate in across the borough and to help them train for the National Cadet Finals next year they need to find an alternative venue on Ealing Borough. They would like to appeal to the community to help them locate this venue with preferably an outdoor court/playground area to practice for next year�s national competition.

Also there is a great opportunity for sponsors from local business/companies/organizations to get involved so that they can continue to serve the community and at the same time, provide a varied programme of events for the Cadets.

Please contact Pc Tracy Fane on Mobile 07947307029 if you want to join the cadets, have a suitable venue for them to train or wish to sponsor the cadets.

Further information on Volunteer Cadets can also be found at www.met.police.uk/cadets